lead with one's chin
To behave without caution; to make oneself vulnerable.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Don't lead with your chin by criticizing the boss.”
“By arguing with the professor before reading the syllabus, he really led with his chin.”
“The politician led with his chin when he made such a bold, unverified claim in front of the hostile press corps.”
- 01
abound in one's own sense
To follow one’s own inclinations and opinions.
- 02
ace up one's sleeve
A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.
- 03
act one's age
To behave in a manner appropriate to one's age.
- 04
act one's age, not one's shoe size
Synonym of act one's age (“to behave in a mature manner; to avoid being childish”).
- 05
afraid of one's own shadow
Exceptionally timid.
- 06
air one's dirty laundry in public
To reveal one's sordid secrets to the public.
- 07
air one's dirty linen in public
Synonym of air one's dirty laundry in public.
- 08
albatross around one's neck
A characteristic, possession, associate, or previous deed that hinders one's ability to succeed.
Last updated August 10, 2026